Presentation Details
| Life After Behavioral Euthanasia: Guardians' Emotional Attachment & Practices with Subsequent Dogs Kristine Adams. University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Scotland |
Abstract
The human-animal bond can deteriorate, leading guardians to euthanize for behavior-related concerns. Such decisions are often ethically complex and distressing. Research has examined guardians' responses to pet loss and medical euthanasia (ME), the effects of behavior euthanasia (BE) remain unexamined. This study investigated how BE influenced guardians' subsequent acquisition decisions, training approaches, and emotional outcomes. A total of 411 participants completed an online survey, after euthanizing a dog (228 BE, 183 ME) reporting on euthanized and subsequent dogs, enabling within-subject comparisons across domains. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests. Participants that experienced BE placed greater importance on behavioral history and temperament and were more likely to discontinue aversive methods in training. Overall attachment was strong across both groups. These findings suggest that BE may be associated with lasting changes in future dog guardianship.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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